A trip to Florida around this time of year sure does sound nice, doesnāt it?
For Atlanta United, though, itās business first. The preseason training camp in Bradenton, Fla. came and went, hours of training, tactics and team bonding ā all of that work in preparation for the clubās home opener against CF MontrĆ©al on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Back in the cold and wind, the 5-Stripes were out and about at Childrenās Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Head coach Ronny Deila, Xande Silva and Stian Gregersen addressed media Thursday afternoon:
The many purposes of the trip down to Florida
There were plenty more reasons for Atlanta United to head down to Florida than just a break from Georgiaās gloomy weather. Deila laid out why training camp was beneficial for his club on multiple levels.
Playing at the level of competition that they expect to see in the regular season is one. Atlanta United has already faced Orlando City, New England Revolution and FC Cincinnati. Theyāve yet to lose to MLS opposition this preseason.
Next, one of Deilaās favorite words: Togetherness. The chemistry for the players on the pitch is important, but chemistry as a coaching staff is another dimension of the unity that Deila has been preaching in the preseason. He and his staff spent time bonding in Florida and took coaching courses together to hone their craft.
For Deila and his staff, itās more than just knowing what drills to run. Getting better at asking questions and having conversations with their squad is important to them as instructors. They know that their improved communication will allow the players to get the most out of training, translating that to match success.
Itās why he wants the atmosphere wherever his squad goes to be a familial one, why he allotted so much time during preseason camp for the players and staff to just be social together ā team dinners, karaoke, and more.
ā[Normally], everything is very serious all the time,ā Deila said. āYou work on details, you want to improve everything. To see each other in other settings, itās important. To understand that we are different people in different situations. Itās just a start, step-by-step to get that really fun family feeling. That we really, really understand each other and know each other and trust each other.ā

You can see that chemistry build on the pitch. From game to game this preseason, passes have grown quicker, runs more decisive, attacks more threatening.
āThe bond, the team, togetherness,ā Silva said. āThe best teams in the world, outside the pitch they do things together. They spend a lot of time together, so I think itās good.ā
Last, and maybe most obvious, itās about getting their legs warm. Deila said his team has run over 40,000 meters in the last two weeks and called fitness a foundation for the team. He also said those distance numbers would go down this week and next to make sure his players are fresh for the season opener on February 22.
āItās a new type of preseason,ā Gregersen said. āItās a more European style now. We work very hard and focus on our play and how weāre going to perform ⦠Itās very hard. Long sessions and a lot of running.ā
The race against time to get fit and available
All that running is doing wonders for the members of the squad who are healthy and cleared to play, but Atlanta United still has some key contributors who are working to find their way back onto the pitch.
Deila and Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson went to work in the offseason and made some marquee signings. Still, some of the new players havenāt had as much time in training with the squad to get acclimated.
Emmanuel Latte Lath, whoās already a speedster on the pitch, is moving as quickly as possible to be cleared to play in games. He now has his visa and will be okay to play soon, but thereās not a definitive timeline for when heāll be available to Deila for selection.
āI hope he can be a part of the game on Saturday,ā Deila said. āIf that goes well, and he has another week training, then he will be available for the game against MontrĆ©al.ā

Miguel Almirón has shown what a difference one signing can make immediately, as heās already played and scored in a friendly despite being signed at the tail end of January.
āHeās adding a lot, first of all quality,ā Deila said. āUnderstanding of the game, he makes things happen. He works hard. He is ambitious. Heās positive. He loves football. He loves being back in the club. Leadership. You get everything with Miguel.ā
Outside of the attacking options, the fullback room is wide open. Younger players like Dominik Chong Qui and Ronan Wynne have earned significant playing time in preseason fixtures with usual starters Pedro Amador and Brooks Lennon recovering from injuries. Deila called the position group āa little bit mishmashā heading into the MontrĆ©al game but noted that Chong Qui has shown a lot of promise and that Lennon could be returning to training next week.
Gregersen, who is now healed from an injury he suffered the playoff game against Orlando last season, is optimistic about the teamās chances this season.
āI feel better, and I think all of the group also feels better,ā Gregersen said. āMore fit now than we were last season.ā
The final friendly and whatās ahead
The new season is right around the corner, and the celebration starts at our annual Block Party this Saturday. Meanwhile, Atlanta United will face FC Dallas in its final preseason game at noon ET on Saturday, Feb. 15. The game will be closed to the public but will be streamed live on atlutd.com/live. After that, itāll be matchweek number one for the 5-Stripes as they prepare to play CF MontrĆ©al at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 22.